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Page 186
instead of waning. In spite of William's submission and good behavior, that monster will not release our sons''
"God in Heaven, does he mistreat them, Isobel?"
"Oh no, no. You know William would not endure that. No, as much as I hate him, I must admit the king is most kind to young William and Richardreally, they are well taught andand I think they actually prefer to be at court. But I do not like it. That court is no place for a godly upbringing."
It occurred to Alinor that these were not the times for a godly upbringing, but she did not say so to Isobel, who was truly and deeply religious. "Isobel, no one will turn your boys away from God nor spoil their honor. You and William had them long enough to mold them. I am sure they have only contempt for the evil they seeand you visit them often, I know. But I do not understand what you said about William. What do you mean, I should think again?"
"My love," Isobel said placatingly, "William knows you have some quarrel with the king. He felt perhaps it would be unwise, possibly even unsafe, for you to seem to consort with those who are out of favor. Now, Alinor, do not fly into a rage!" she added hastily. "Think! It would not be well for Lord Ian either."
"Oh!" Alinor gasped. "Oh! I do not know whose neck I wish to wring firstyours, for bringing me such an idiotic message, or William's, for thinking up such an insanity in the first place."
"Well, do not wring mine," Isobel said with commendable calm. "I made him come as far as he did. He wished to stay in Pembroke. I told him that if he did, you would probably ride all the way out there to fetch him yourself."
"And so I would have done! Edwig," Alinor called to a passing manservant, "send a message to the new stables to have Cricket sent around at once." She turned back to Isobel. "There. I will make good your word and make William properly ashamed of himself by doing

 
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